Week 4

Question 1

Freud’s Psychoanalytic Theory

Answer 1

Sigmund Freud believed the unconscious mind was driven by “basic instincts” (particularly sexual drives) that he called the “Id”

As we develop a sense of self, or “Ego,” we experience a tension between the Id and the internalized principles of the “Super-Ego”

Many moral theories are framed by this tension; consider the moral believes tied to “resistance to temptation” (inhibitory control in psychology)

Freud’s theory has been discounted by mainstream psychology, though psychotherapy remains popular and draws Freud’s ideas.

Freud’s psycho-sexual stages have been adapted and revised in important ways… especially by Erik Erikson and Anna Freud (Sigmund’s daughter)

Question 2

Erikson’s Psycho-social Theory

Answer 2

Diverges from Freud’s emphasis on biological drives (‘Id’) and unconscious, irrational conflict; for Erikson, the Ego was conscious and rational

“The eight stages of man”: challenges and strengths mark each stage and continued from infancy to adulthood (i.e., across the life-span)

Particular ‘social others’ are associated with each stage (note the emphasis on social relationships, not biological/sexual mechanisms)

“Simply Psyc” with Matt Tolbert - Erikson & Identity

Question 3

Psychosocial moratorium:

Answer 3

the gap between childhood security and adult autonomy. This period is also characterized as “identity exploration.”
As adolescents gradually come to realize that they will soon be responsible for themselves and their lives, they try to determine what those lives are going to be.

Question 4

James Marcia classifies adolescents according to the extent of crisis and
Commitment.
Uses Erikson’s four identity status terms:

Answer 4

identity diffusion, identity foreclosure, identity moratorium, and identity achievement.

Question 5

James Marcia classifies adolescents according to the extent of crisis and
Commitment.

Crisis

Answer 5

a period of identity development during which the adolescent is choosing among meaningful alternatives.

Question 6

James Marcia classifies adolescents according to the extent of crisis and
Commitment.

Commitment

Answer 6

a personal investment in what an individual is going to do.

Question 7

According to Marcia, at least three aspects of young adolescents’ development are important to identity formation:

Answer 7

Confidence that they have parental support.

An established sense of industry.

Ability to take a self-reflective stance toward the future (i.e., mindfulness)